David Gemmell - Quest for Lost Heroes

'You have decided to die then, lord?' whispered Oshi, blinking back tears.

'I do not think that even I can hope to take on the Nadir nation and survive, Oshi. I am pledged to kill Jungir Khan. If necessary I will walk into his palace and do it before all of his generals. Do you believe I can walk away from such a deed?'

'You could kill him with an arrow,' ventured Oshi.

'Indeed. But then he would not know for what crime he is slain. No, it will be with a sword. But first we must ascertain the fate of Mai-syn. Once that is accomplished, we will find a ship for you to return home.'

'I could not leave you, lord. . Chien. What would I do? What would you do without me? We will kill the Khan together.'

'Someone must take the news back to the Emperor. I will also give you letters to my wives. You will execute my will.'

'You have it all planned then?' asked Oshi softly.

'As much as can be considered at this time. It is all subject to change. Now let us ride, and seek a good camping-site.'

They made camp in a old, dry river-bed, lighting a fire against the vertical bank and eating a light meal of dried fruit. Chien was in no mood for conversation. Unrolling the blanket from behind his saddle, he wrapped it around his shoulders and settled down.

'No, lord, here,' said Oshi. 'I have pushed aside the pebbles and there is soft sand beneath. I have bunched some for a pillow. You will be more comfortable.'

Chien moved to the place Oshi had prepared; it was indeed softer, and away from the cold wind. He settled down to sleep. He dreamt of home in the ivory-white palace, with its terraced gardens and landscaped streams and waterfalls. It was a place of tranquillity. But he awoke sharply when he heard the sound of boots on the pebbles of the river-bed. Rolling from his blanket, he rose. The moon was high, full and bright. Kubai stood staring at him with a wide smile on his face, beside him four Nadir warriors. Oshi awoke and huddled against the rocks.

'Did you think I could not count?' asked Kubai. 'I searched for you among the bodies. You know why?'

'Pray tell me,' said Chien, folding his hands across his chest.

'Because of him,' he replied, pointing at Oshi. 'His body was nowhere. So I examined the corpse we took to be yours. There was a gash on the face, but not enough to fool me.'

'Your intelligence staggers me,' said Chien. 'You are quite correct. I took you for an evil-smelling, stupid, treacherous barbarian. I was wrong; you are not stupid.'

Kubai laughed. 'You cannot make me angry, yellow man. You know why? Because tonight I will hear you scream. I will take your skin an inch at a time.' Kubai drew his sword and advanced but Chien stood waiting, arms still folded. 'Are you not even going to fight, yellow man?"

Chien's arm flicked out and Kubai stopped in his tracks, the ebony handle of the throwing-knife jutting out from his throat. Chien leapt and his foot cracked against Kubai's head, cartwheeling him from his feet. The other Nadir rushed in. Ducking under a sweeping blade Chien stabbed his hand, fingers extended, to the man's midriff. The warrior doubled over, all breath gone from his lungs. Sidestepping a thrust, Chien hammered the edge of his palm into a second warrior's throat. Hurling himself forward, he rolled to his shoulder on the pebbles and came to his feet in one smooth motion. The remaining two Nadir came at him more carefully. Chien's hand snaked out and one of them crumpled to the ground with a dagger through his eye. The last warrior backed away, but Oshi reared up behind him, plunging a thin dagger through his heart.

'You must not take risks,' Chien told him. 'You are too old.'

'I am sorry, lord.'

Kubai had pulled the blade from his throat and was kneeling on the stream-bed, blood gushing to his goatskin jerkin. Chien knelt before him and gathered his blade.

'In case it is of any interest,' he said, 'your lungs are filling with blood. It is said that a man can experience the most delightful visions at such a time. You, on the other hand, deserve no such joy.'

Chien slammed the blade into Kubai's heart and pushed the body on to its back.

'I was having the most wonderful dream,' said Chien. 'I was in the gardens at home, and — you recall the plant we tried to train by the dry stone wall at the south gate?' Oshi nodded. 'Well, it was in bloom, and the flowers were quite the most exquisite shades of purple. And there was a fragrance I recall that put my roses to shame. I wonder if that purple plant ever took root?'

'I would imagine so, lord. You have a fine touch with flowers.'

'It pleases me to think so.'

A groan came from the Nadir Chien had winded and the Kiatze warrior stood and hammered a kick to the man's temple. His neck cracked and Oshi winced.

'What was I saying? Oh yes, flowers. This land could do with more flowers. Perhaps then the Nadir would become interested more in poetry than war. Saddle the horses, Oshi. This ugly place is making me melancholy.'

For three weeks the questors travelled only by night, hiding by day in woods or jagged hollows which stretched across the land. The journey in darkness was taken with great care, as the land descended in giant steps from rocky plateau to rocky plateau. The trails were scree-covered and treacherous, and the questors were often forced to dismount and lead their horses. Four times Okas warned them of hunters, and twice the hidden questors saw bands of Nadren riders searching for sign. But Finn had obscured their trail and the hunters passed on.

Water was scarce on the Steppes and they were compelled to take wide detours to seek rock pools in the plateaux. Most of these were guarded and many times the questors were forced to move on, their throats dry. What little water they carried was used to rinse the dust from the nostrils and mouths of their mounts.

'Our enemies have all the advantages,' said Finn, as they made their third dry camp in as many days. 'They know we cannot travel without water, and they have stopped trying to track us. Now they guard all the wells and pools.'

'Not all,' said Okas. 'There is rock tank an hour's ride from here. The water is shallow, but good to drink.'

'Why is it not guarded?' Chareos asked.

'It is, but not by men.'

'If there are more demons,' croaked Beltzer, Td just as soon suck grass for another day.'

'Not demons,' said Okas. 'Lions. But do not fear; I have a way with beasts.'

With a half moon to guide them the questors set off across the plateau, their horses' hooves muffled by cloth shoes. The trail wound down at first, then cut to the right, rising steeply. The horses grew increasingly nervous as the smell of lion droppings filled the air. Okas led the way on foot and the trail opened to a wide bowl-shaped arena. They saw eight lions by the pool — one male, three females and four cubs. The females rose first, baring their fangs. Okas began to chant softly; he walked slowly towards the beasts and sat some ten paces from them. The sound of his rhythmic song echoed in the rocks and a lioness padded towards him, circling him, her tail thrashing. She pushed her face against Okas' shoulder and head, then settled down beside him. The other lions ignored the old man.

Okas' voice sounded inside Chareos' mind: 'Lead the horses to the pool. Let them drink their fill. You do likewise and fill the water-sacks. Then withdraw. Let no one speak.' Chareos turned to the others and lifted his fingers to his lips. Finn nodded, and silently they made for the water.

The song of Okas continued as the questors led the frightened horses to.the pool. The need for water overcame their fear and they dipped their heads and drank. Chareos dropped to his belly and filled his mouth with the cool liquid. For some moments he held the water there, then he allowed it to trickle into his dry throat. Finally he drank until he felt he could contain no more. Only then did he fill the water-sacks. The others followed suit.